Crunch
Dan took an oversized bite from his apple. The letter lay unopened on the table. He glanced at Andrea. A storm was brewing. He saw it in her face. He braced himself. Here we go

“Dan, I can’t do it”, she announced.
“Honey, it is time.” His tone was soft but stern.
“We cannot send Pap to that place!” Tears pooled in her eyes.

She looks like a rabbit caught in a trap, Dan thought. “Andrea, we have talked about this. It is the best facility in the state. Remember, that is why we bought this house so that you would be close to him?”

“Okay, Dr. Dan, do not take that “Please be reasonable” tone with me. Do you really want him to be surrounded by strangers? This is his home. We can’t just send him away!” Andrea hissed in a whispered yell. “And do you know how ridiculous it is that you insist on eating an apple everyday?”

so, what’s wrong with a doctor eating an apple a day? Dan pushed back a chuckle that threatened to spill out over her last accusation. “Sweetheart, I know that you are upset but there is no reason to get hostile. It’s not like we are dropping Pap off at the pound. These are professionals. They are going to take really good care of him.” Dan said in his most reassuring tone.

Pap stepped out of his bedroom. He stood at the door smiling. His white button-up shirt was partially tucked with the collar turned up on one side. He had his bag slung over one shoulder and one shoe untied.

“Is it time to go yet?” he asked.
Andrea choked back a gasp He has no idea what we’re doing
“So, you’re ready to go, Pap old man?” Dan asked jokingly.
Andrea glared at him. “Come here Patrick. Let mommy fix your collar.” Andrea tucked his shirt, smoothed his hair and began looking through his backpack. When she got to the box of crayons, she asked, “Pap, where is your purple crayon?”
“I don’t like purple”, he announced.
“So, what did you do with it?”
“I gave it to Buddy.” he answered.
“You gave it to Buddy? Sweetie, dogs don’t use crayons.” she reminded.
“I know. He chewed it up all over my bed.” Patrick looked a little sheepish.

Andrea picked up the car keys and the letter which held his Kindergarten registration.
“Your teacher has her work cut out for her. Let’s go” she said and they moved toward the door. Dan breathed a sigh of relief.

Wonderful Darlene. I thought it was a grandfather, and then a pet before it got to young Patrick. I loved the twist at the end. This was a delightful story that will hit the spot with every mother who has ever had to do the same thing. Love, Deb